News by Levels · Level 3 · Student worksheet

Spain Investigates Urda Rail Collision as Mourning Begins

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

A collision between two high-speed trains near Urda, in central Spain, killed at least 69 people on October 28, according to a regional official cited by the Associated Press. A moving train hit the rear of a stationary one on the Madrid–Seville line, and many other passengers were injured.

Spain began three days of national mourning on October 29 while search teams continued working at the site. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez promised an investigation and rail safety improvements. The transport minister described a system malfunction and a subsequent order to restart a train; a judge has designated the site an investigation zone.

Source: Associated Press, 2026-10-29. https://apnews.com/article/spain-train-crash-election-sanchez-aeb1c22ee6ddfe3733f3371bbf39ed0e

Read and practise

1. What did the regional official report about the collision?

   1. At least 69 people died
   2. Exactly 69 passengers were unhurt
   3. No one was injured

2. What is the status of the minister’s description of the malfunction and order?

   1. It is an account reported while the site is under investigation
   2. It is a completed judicial finding
   3. It is a plan for a future rail service

Your turn

What did the minister describe, and why should this not be treated as a final investigation result?

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/spain-urda-high-speed-train-collision-mourning-october-2026/level-3/